Kobe Bryant: Sheffield Sharks pay tribute after basketball legend killed in helicopter crash

Sheffield’s basketball team has paid tribute to legend of the sport Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning (January 26).
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The Sheffield Sharks’ post was one of thousands of messages posted on social media following the star’s death.

The 5-time NBA champion, 41, was riding in the helicopter with his daughter Gianna, 13, and a number of other passengers in the city of Calabasas, California.

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The helicopter is believed to have burst into flames and gone down shortly after air traffic control told the pilot they were flying ‘too low’ in foggy weather.

Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Witnesses said they heard the helicopter’s engine ‘sputtering’ shortly before the crash.

The LA county sheriff said there were no survivors.

Following the tragedy, a spokesperson for Sheffield Sharks wrote: “A devastating loss to the basketball community. Our prayers go out to Bryant family and the families affected.⁣

⁣“Rest In Peace Kobe & GiGi.”